Grid power storage and frequency regulation

ABSTRACT

An apparatus to capture and store electricity, and then instantly retransmit it on demand, is disclosed. An electric motor transfers rotational energy to at least one energy storage spring that rotationally connects to an electric generator via a variety of rotational energy connecting elements. Utilizing energy storage springs in this manner enables intermittent generation from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, to provide base load electric power as well as providing frequency regulation to the national electric power grids. Electric grid power may be utilized when the price is low to compress the springs, and then released and transferred to an electric generator when the price of electricity is higher. Rotational energy storage may be utilized to provide backup power for applications of all sizes. It is efficient, scalable, and deployable almost anywhere.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of PPA Ser. No. 61/283,365, filed Dec. 2, 2009, and PPA Ser. No. 61/283,721, filed Dec. 7, 2009, both by the present inventor, which are incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND Prior Art

Current means for storing electric power, on and off the grid, include: flywheel energy storage, compressed air energy storage (CAES), pumped-storage hydroelectricity, batteries, thermal energy storage, and hydrogen. These technologies, plus fossil fuels, are utilized to compensate for the spikes in demand or ebbs in supply on the electric power grid. This strategy is known as frequency regulation.

Flywheels are a short duration solution and will shatter when the tensile strength of the flywheel is exceeded, resulting in what is known as a “flywheel explosion.” Hydrogen can also explode, and must be stored at high pressure. Compressed air storage and pumped hydropower are not always possible, and fossil fuels produce greenhouse gases and other air pollutants. Batteries are expensive, not ideal for frequent discharging and recharging, and are less efficient, due to the energy lost in the form of heat. Molten salt can harden within the system if it falls in temperature below its melting point of 801 degrees Celsius.

SUMMARY

Energy storage springs store unused electricity from one of the national electric power grids, or from another source, utilizing an electric motor. When the demand for electric power exceeds the supply, or when there is an interruption in power, rotational energy is instantly released from the energy storage springs and transferred to rotationally connected electric generators that electrically connect back to the grid.

Energy storage springs with rotationally connected electric motors and generators act as power regulators for the grid and will support the integration of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, whose operations are intermittent in nature.

Advantages

Accordingly several advantages of one or more aspects are as follows: energy storage springs provide instant on and off operation and can operate continuously, depending on the number of springs incorporated, unlike flywheels. Energy storage springs are more reliable than batteries and are better suited for environments with frequent cycling on and off, as well as environments with high operating temperatures. Potentially fewer energy storage springs are required to provide the same amount of storage as flywheels. Energy storage springs are also highly efficient, can be deployed anywhere, and require minimal maintenance. Energy storage springs provide highly efficient, pollution free frequency regulation, unlike conventional fossil fuel-powered generators that currently provide frequency regulation for the electric power grid.

Energy storage springs store electricity when it is abundant and less expensive, and then release it at peak demand when the price for electricity is at or near its peak, enabling power plants, utility companies, and others to “buy low and sell high.”

Stored rotational energy may also be used as backup power for commercial and noncommercial applications, and offers a means of providing base load power from intermittent renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.

Other advantages of one or more aspects will be apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

DRAWINGS—FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a flow chart of the apparatus, including an electric motor, an energy storage spring, and an electric generator, to capture, store, and distribute electricity; features include rotational energy connecting elements as a means of transferring rotational energy.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of the apparatus that features both a rotational energy connecting element and a gear box/transmission as means of transferring rotational energy.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of the apparatus that features only gear box/transmissions as a means of transferring rotational energy.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the apparatus that includes an all-in-one electric motor/electric generator that utilizes a rotational energy connecting element as a means of transferring rotational energy.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of the apparatus that includes an all-in-one electric motor/electric generator that utilizes a gear box/transmission as a means of transferring rotational energy.

FIG. 6 depicts an all-in-one electric motor/energy storage spring/electric generator. It may also be utilized as only an all-in-one electric motor/energy storage spring.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of the all-in-one electric motor/energy storage spring/electric generator and the electric power transmission means.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an all-in-one electric motor/energy storage spring that utilizes an external electric generator connected by a rotational energy connecting element.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an all-in-one electric motor/energy storage spring that utilizes an external electric generator connected by a gear box/transmission.

DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   1 electric power transmission means     -   2 electric motor     -   3 rotational energy connecting element     -   4 energy storage spring     -   5 rotational energy connecting element     -   6 electric generator     -   7 electric power transmission means     -   8 gear box/transmission     -   9 gear box/transmission     -   10 all-in-one electric motor/electric generator     -   11 all-in-one electric motor/energy storage spring/electric         generator     -   12 stator     -   13 magnet     -   14 energy storage spring coil     -   15 energy storage spring header     -   16 latch     -   17 rotor

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1

One embodiment of the electric storage means is illustrated in FIG. 1. An electric motor 2 is electrically connected, not shown, to an electric power transmission means 1. An energy storage spring 4 is rotationally connected to the electric motor 2 by a rotational energy connecting element 3. An electric generator 6 is also rotationally connected to the energy storage spring 4 by a rotational energy connecting element 5. The electric generator 6 is electrically connected, not shown, to an electric power transmission means 7.

Operation

The energy storage spring 4 is brought into compression, or tension, by the rotational energy, and transferred from the electric motor 2 by the rotational energy connecting element 3. Regenerating the electricity is accomplished by releasing the potential energy stored in the compressed energy storage spring 4 and transferred by the rotational energy connecting element 5 to the electric generator 6. The resulting electricity is transmitted to the electric power transmission means 7 by electric transmission lines, not shown.

FIG. 2—Additional Embodiment

In FIG. 2 a rotational energy element 3 is rotationally connected in between the electric motor 2 and the energy storage spring 4. A gear box/transmission 8 rotationally connects the energy storage spring 4 and the electric generator 6.

FIG. 3—Additional Embodiment

FIG. 3 illustrates the use of gear box/transmissions 8, 9 as the primary means of transferring rotational energy.

FIG. 4—Additional Embodiment

In FIG. 4 an all-in-one electric motor/electric generator 10 electrically connects to an electric power transmission means 1, 7 by electric transmission lines, not shown. The electric motor/electric generator 10 is rotationally connected to an energy storage spring 4 by a rotational energy connecting element 3.

Operation

The all-in-one electric motor/electric generator 10 operates the same as the separate electric motor 2 and electric generator 6 do, as depicted in the first embodiment. The energy storage spring 4 is brought into compression, or tension, by the rotational energy, transferred by the rotational energy connecting element 3, from the electric motor/generator 10. Regenerating the electricity is accomplished by releasing the potential energy in the compressed energy storage spring 4. The released energy is then transferred by the same rotational energy connecting element 3 to the electric motor/generator 10. The resulting electricity is transmitted to the electric power transmission means 7 by electric transmission lines, not shown.

FIG. 5—Additional Embodiment

FIG. 5 also illustrates an all-in-one electric motor/electric generator 10, but in this embodiment a gear box/transmission 8 is the primary means of transferring rotational energy.

FIGS. 6 and 7—Additional Embodiments

FIG. 6 depicts an all-in-one electric motor/energy storage spring/electric generator 11. It may also be utilized as only an all-in-one electric motor/energy storage spring, depending upon how it is configured. Stators 12 are positioned in close proximity around a rotor 17. Magnets 13 are attached to the outer surface of the rotor 17. Attached to the inner surface of the rotor 17 is one end of an energy storage spring coil 14 that also attaches to the energy storage spring header 15. A latch 16 attaches to the outer surface of the rotor 17. Another latch, not shown, connects to the energy storage spring header. FIG. 7 shows the electric motor/energy storage spring/electric generator 11 connected to electric power transmission means 1, 7.

Operation

Electricity from the electric power transmission means 1 induces rotating magnetic fields by the stators 12 around the rotor 17. The rotating magnetic fields interact with the magnets 13 and cause the rotor 17 to rotate, applying compression to the attached energy storage spring coil 14. A latch 16 is incorporated into the rotor 17 to prevent it from moving, once the spring is fully wound. When electricity is needed the latch 16 is released and the rotor 17 rotates and induces an electric current in the stators 12 that transmit the electricity to an electric power transmission means 7.

FIG. 8—Additional Embodiment

FIG. 8 illustrates the all-in-one electric motor/energy storage spring/electric generator 11, when configured as an all-in-one electric motor/energy storage spring that is connected to an electric generator 6 by a rotational energy connecting element 3 that is attached to the energy storage spring header 15. A latch to hold the energy storage spring header 15 in place is not shown.

Operation

Once the energy storage spring 14 is fully wound, the latch securing the energy storage spring header 15 is engaged. When the stored energy is needed the latch securing the energy storage spring header 15 is released, the energy storage spring header 15 is rotated and transfers rotational energy through the rotational energy connecting element 3 to the electric generator 6.

FIG. 9—Additional Embodiment

In FIG. 9 the all-in-one electric motor/energy storage spring/electric generator 11, configured as an all-in-one electric motor/energy storage spring, connects to the electric generator 6 by a gear box/transmission 8.

ADVANTAGES

From the previous description, a number of advantages of some embodiments of my apparatus become evident:

-   -   (a) Instant on and off operation.     -   (b) Ideal for the frequent discharging and recharging cycles         that occur from main power supply problems.     -   (c) Provides frequency regulation to the electric power grids.     -   (d) Enables renewable power technologies, such as wind and solar         power, to compete for base load power contracts.     -   (e) Enables power plants to produce and store electricity when         they please, and sell it when both the demand for and the price         for electricity is high.     -   (f) Enables utility companies, and others, to purchase and store         electricity when the price is low, and sell it when the price is         high.     -   (g) It is highly scalable and ideal for micro power application.     -   (h) It produces no negative environmental impact.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Accordingly, the reader will see that the electric storage means of the various embodiments can be used to store as much electricity as is necessary to provide frequency regulation to the electric power grids. In addition, the embodiments described above will enable intermittent renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, to integrate with the national electric power grids. Furthermore, the apparatus has additional advantages in that:

-   -   it is capable of instant on and off operation;     -   it is also capable of the frequent charging and discharging that         is associated with providing backup power for applications that         frequently suffer from main power supply interruption;     -   it is highly scalable;     -   it is capable of providing base load power;     -   it is deployable anywhere;     -   it is capable of providing backup power for any application,         such as eliminating the need for batteries, as used in         uninterruptible power supplies (UPS);     -   it may include the same electric transmission means for both         consumption and distribution;     -   it may be used to purchase and store electricity when the demand         or price is low, and sell it when the demand or price is higher;     -   it may incorporate springs fabricated from carbon nanotubes that         can store up to 1,000 times the energy of steel springs;     -   springs may be fabricated from memory metal;     -   it may include a means of heating the springs before applying         rotational energy; whereby requiring less energy to wind the         energy storage spring, and later releasing it when the spring         has cooled; whereby extending the life cycles of the mechanical         parts affected;     -   it may further include a means of trapping the heat generated in         the motors, generators, and bearings, and then using it to heat         the spring; said means may include heat exchangers; it may also         utilize an external source of heat;     -   it may incorporate gear box/transmissions calibrated to generate         rotational energy at 60 revolutions per minute, or at multiples         of 60; 50 revolutions per minute is appropriate for overseas         installations;     -   it may have a means of connecting multiple electric generators         of varying sizes to extend the operating time of a wound spring;     -   it may also include at least one buoyancy means, as described in         the patent Buoyant Rotor (U.S. Pat. No. 7,348,686 B2) to         increase the efficiency of the apparatus's rotors;     -   it can take advantage of “smart grid” technologies, allowing         consumers to sell their excess electric power to their local         utility companies;     -   it may further include a braking means for the rotors.

Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments, but as merely providing illustrations of some of several embodiments. For example, it may also include at least one buoyancy means, as described in the patent Buoyant Rotor (U.S. Pat. No. 7,348,686 B2), that will enhance the efficiency of the system's rotors.

Thus the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given. 

1. An apparatus to capture and store electricity comprising: at least one source of electricity; at least one electric motor; at least one energy storage spring; at least one means to transfer rotational energy from said at least one electric motor to said at least one energy storage spring; at least one electric generator; at least one means to transfer rotational energy from said at least one energy storage spring to said at least one electric generator; whereby providing an efficient, low maintenance means of capturing, storing, and generating electricity; whereby providing a means of storing electricity that would have otherwise gone unutilized; whereby enabling utility companies, and others, to purchase and store electricity when the price is low, and sell it when the price is high; whereby providing a means of effectively providing frequency regulation; whereby enabling intermittent renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, to provide base load electric power; whereby providing a means of generating electricity for extended periods of time without interruption.
 2. The apparatus to capture and store electricity as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one source of electricity is one of the national electric power grids.
 3. The apparatus to capture and store electricity as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one electric motor is a three-phase alternating current electric motor.
 4. The apparatus to capture and store electricity as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one electric motor and said at least one electric generator is an all-in-one electric motor/generator; whereby reducing the amount of physical space required for the apparatus; whereby eliminating at least one point of failure.
 5. The apparatus to capture and store electricity as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one means to transfer rotational energy from said at least one electric motor to said at least one energy storage spring is a rotational energy connecting element.
 6. The apparatus to capture and store electricity as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one means to transfer rotational energy from said at least one electric motor to said at least one energy storage spring is a gear box/transmission.
 7. The apparatus to capture and store electricity as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one means to transfer rotational energy from said at least one energy storage spring to said at least one electric generator is a rotational energy connecting element.
 8. The apparatus to capture and store electricity as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one means to transfer rotational energy from said at least one energy storage spring to said at least one electric generator is a gear box/transmission.
 9. The apparatus to capture and store electricity as claimed in claim 1 further includes at least one means to transmit the electricity generated by said at least one electric generator; wherein said means is an electric transmission line.
 10. A method to capture and store electricity comprising: providing at least one source of electricity; providing at least one electric motor; providing at least one energy storage spring; providing at least one means to transfer rotational energy from said at least one electric motor to said at least one energy storage spring; providing at least one electric generator; providing at least one means to transfer rotational energy from said at least one energy storage spring to said at least one electric generator; providing at least one means to transmit electricity from said at least one electric generator to at least one electric transmission means; whereby providing a safe, efficient, highly scalable, practically instantaneous source of electric power; whereby providing a means of storing electricity that would have otherwise gone unutilized; whereby enabling utility companies, and others, to purchase and store electricity when the price is low, and sell it when the price is high; whereby providing a means of effectively providing frequency regulation; whereby enabling intermittent renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, to provide base load electric power; whereby providing a means of generating electricity for extended periods of time without interruption.
 11. An all-in-one electric motor/energy storage spring/electric generator comprising: at least one source of electricity; at least one energy storage spring; at least one magnet attached to the outer surface of the outermost side of said energy storage spring, forming a rotor; at least one coil of an electric conductor located in close proximity to said at least one magnet, forming a stator; whereby the rotor and stator effectively form an electric motor/generator; whereby providing an efficient, low maintenance means of capturing, storing, and generating electricity; whereby providing a means of storing electricity that would have otherwise gone unutilized; whereby enabling utility companies, and others, to purchase and store electricity when the price is low, and sell it when the price is high; whereby providing a means of effectively providing frequency regulation; whereby enabling intermittent renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, to provide base load electric power; whereby providing a means of generating electricity for extended periods of time without interruption; whereby eliminating the need for: a separate electric motor, a separate electric generator, and connecting elements; whereby eliminating at least one point of failure and inefficiency.
 12. The all-in-one electric motor/energy storage spring/electric generator as claimed in claim 11 further includes at least one means to transfer electricity to and from said all-in-one electric motor/energy storage spring/electric generator.
 13. The all-in-one electric motor/energy storage spring/electric generator as claimed in claim 11 further includes at least one means to prevent said rotor from rotating.
 14. The all-in-one electric motor/energy storage spring/electric generator as claimed in claim 11 further includes at least one external electric generator; whereby forming an all-in-one electric motor/energy storage spring.
 15. The all-in-one electric motor/energy storage spring as claimed in claim 14 further includes at least one means of transferring rotational energy from the all-in-one electric motor/energy storage spring header.
 16. The all-in-one electric motor/energy storage spring as claimed in claim 15, wherein said means of transferring rotational energy is at least one rotational energy connecting element.
 17. The all-in-one electric motor/energy storage spring as claimed in claim 15, wherein said means of transferring rotational energy is a gear box/transmission.
 18. A method to capture and store electricity comprising: providing at least one source of electricity; providing at least one energy storage spring; providing at least one magnet attached to the outer surface of the outermost side of said energy storage spring, forming a rotor; providing at least one coil of an electric conductor located in close proximity to said at least one magnet, forming a stator; whereby the rotor and stator effectively form an electric motor; whereby providing an efficient, low maintenance means of capturing, storing, and generating electricity; whereby providing a means of storing electricity that would have otherwise gone unutilized; whereby enabling utility companies, and others, to purchase and store electricity when the price is low, and sell it when the price is high; whereby providing a means of effectively providing frequency regulation; whereby enabling intermittent renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, to provide base load electric power; whereby providing a means of generating electricity for extended periods of time without interruption; whereby eliminating the need for: a separate electric motor, a separate electric generator, and connecting elements; whereby eliminating at least one point of failure and inefficiency. 